I first met John some 14 years ago when he was extremely helpful to me as I set out from the security of a job contract to go freelance. We discovered that we had gone to neighbouring schools in S.E. London albeit a school generation apart; he to St. Joseph's Academy and me to Colfe's, both in Lewisham.

John ran his own business, Empi Brothers, which, he told me, he funded by bringing in loads of cash from Singapore as he didn't trust the Indonesian banking system. (It has got better, but ... )

He was always a gentleman, unfailingly polite, and full of anecdotes which I'm sure delighted the members of Indonesian Wine Society and the British Chamber of Commerce, which is where I last met him. He was held in great respect by all sectors of the expat community here.

We will miss you John and send sincere sympathy and condolences to your family.